New council homes in estate plan

The revamp is being hailed as a major regeneration boost

The first new council houses in Hull for more than 15 years are to be built as part of a major revamp of the Orchard Park estate.

Government funding of £156m will be used to demolish high-rise flats and build 1,700 new homes - 680 of which will be council-owned.

It has been hailed as a major boost to the area which has long been dominated by tower blocks and identical houses.

Building should start in 2013 with the first homes ready in 2016.

The council said work could not start until then because of consultation and planning obligations.

The authority added the move was a major contribution towards plans to transform the estate.

These include a new £14m health care and neighbourhood centre, a proposed £38m academy school and a revamp of the estate's district shopping centre.

Councillor Rick Welton, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and housing strategy, said: "It's great news for Orchard Park and the city as a whole.

"There is significant potential to be unlocked which will further improve the area for current residents and future generations."